podcast: dealing with snowload on woody plants

IKNOW IT’S TOO LATE FOR HELP with the freakish October storm that flattened the woody plants here last weekend, but I have a hunch those of us in snow country will be needing tips for helping the garden through storms to come. After all, winter hasn’t even started yet (evidence outside my window, where it hasn’t melted yet, to the contrary). A podcast on recollections of other October storms, and some snowload-prevention tactics —my “triage-nurse” routine—and when to just let nature take its course.
My partners in the weekly garden podcast, Robin Hood Radio (WHDD in nearby Sharon, Connecticut, the nation’s smallest NPR affiliate) were without power much of the week, so we had to do this broadcast by phone…hence the less-robust sound quality. Plus I am struck by how exhausted I sound–and I was, after a weekend of outdoor work, and worry.

You can stream the Oct. 31 podcast here, or subscribe free on iTunes (it’s listed as the Nov. 3 show there, when it was finally posted).

More Information on Winter Care

THESE TWO EXTENSION-SERVICE bulletins outline tips for preventing animal and salt damage, winter burn, splaying open of hedges and other shrubbery, and more.

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comments

I have to listen and get your advise. I have one very damaged lilac and the butterfly bush is almost all broken limbs. That will probably rejuvenate itself or can be replaced by some self sown shrub. Will the lilac come back after it is cut down to about 4 ft “stubs”? I think it will but it is going to look very ugly next year. I am also thinking, maybe it is an opportunity to replace the lilac with something else. Then I think with what?

Margaret, I am truly sorry for your losses and can just imagine how sad it all was, but also imagining from your book and web site that your spirit is strong and moving on. I keep losing cherry laurels which are my foundation plants in Zone 7, which doesn’t make me too sad cause I don’t really like them (here when I moved in). Just makes me annoyed to have to keep replacing something I don’t care for that much. I have been looking on your site for ideas for foundation plants which would work for my zone, but can’t really find any. I need about 5 that are about 4 ft. or can be pruned to 4 ft. and can handle clay (improved) soil and afternoon sun. Any thoughts?

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Podcast: Soups, Soups & More Soups

I’VE FOLLOWED a vegetarian diet for decades already, but it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I finally mastered a really good version of vegetable soup. Now I’m learning variations on vegetable-based soups, plus ones with beans and even ideas for mushroom soups, too–all thanks to my friend Alexandra Stafford. (Stream it below or subscribe free.)

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Welcome! I’m Margaret Roach, a leading garden writer for 25 years—at ‘Martha Stewart Living,’ ‘Newsday,’ and in three books. I host a public-radio podcast; I also lecture, plus hold tours at my 2.3-acre Hudson Valley (NY) Zone 5B garden, and always say no to chemicals and yes to great plants.